Everaldo (footballer, born 1944)
The graceful Brazilian left-back whose World Cup glory in 1970 was immortalized by a golden star on his club's flag.
1944–1974 (age 30)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: September 11·The Silent Generation
Biography
Everaldo's story is one of brilliant talent shadowed by profound tragedy. As the left-back for both Grêmio and Brazil's legendary 1970 World Cup team, he embodied the modern full-back: defensively solid, yet eager to join the attack with pace and precision. His partnership with Carlos Alberto on the right created one of the most formidable defensive flanks in football history. The image of Everaldo, with his distinctive sideburns, celebrating Mexico '70 victory became iconic in Brazil. In a unique honor, Grêmio added a golden star to its flag to commemorate his world title. His life was cut short just four years later in a car accident, cementing his status as a fallen hero. He remains a sacred figure at Grêmio, where his name is synonymous with loyalty, excellence, and a legacy forever linked to the beautiful game's pinnacle.
The Silent Generation
1928–1945
Born between the Depression and the end of WWII. Too young to fight, old enough to remember. They became the conformist middle managers of the 1950s — and the civil rights leaders who quietly dismantled Jim Crow.
Everaldo was born in 1944, placing them squarely in The Silent Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Everaldo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1944
#1 Movie
Going My Way
Best Picture
Going My Way
Everaldo's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1944Born
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1949Started school
NATO founded; Mao proclaims the People's Republic of China
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Riders in the Sky" — Vaughn MonroeBest Picture: All the King's Men
1957Became a teenager
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1960Could drive
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1962Could vote
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1965Turned 21
US sends combat troops to Vietnam
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,600Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" — The Rolling StonesBest Picture: The Sound of Music
1974Turned 30
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
Key Achievements
- Won the 1970 FIFA World Cup with Brazil, playing as the starting left-back.
- His World Cup victory prompted his club, Grêmio, to permanently add a golden star to its flag.
- Helped Grêmio win multiple state championships (Campeonato Gaúcho) during the 1960s.
Did You Know?
He played his entire club career for Grêmio, from 1964 until his death in 1974.
The car accident that killed him also claimed the life of his wife, Neusa.
He was known for his exceptional physical conditioning and speed on the pitch.
“A full-back must defend first, but the flank is a road to goal.”
